10 Signs of Depression in Kids when They Are Acting Out

10 Signs of Depression in Kids when They Are Acting Out

Depression in kids is real and very normal. They experience negative moods from time to time. They may feel sad, irritated or down. However, when this happens for a longer period, it might be depression attacking. Kids with depression tend to lose interest in school work, kids activities, get tired and give up easily, and sometimes withdraw from people around them.

Depression in children results in feelings of unworthiness, rejection or unlovable. The severer it gets, the worse the feeling and could lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Look out for these 10 signs of depression in kids when they are acting out.

How do you know that your child is depressed?

To recognize depression in children, it is important to know what signs to look for. It is obvious that children are not so expressive of their feelings compared to adults. In fact, they do not realize that something out of the normal is happening to them. It is our responsibility as adults to detect the signs as children live under our control. Look for the symptoms and if any, help the child through it.

When children are acting up, there are only two categories of warning signs to show that they are depressed:

Physical Signs

1. Sleeping Disorders

Most children suffering from depression experience difficulties falling asleep. Some children wake up too early or oversleep when they are depressed. Others have trouble staying awake in class during the day.

2. Agitation

If you see your kid experiencing anxiety or nervous excitement, this could be depression. The signs are seen in fidgeting and being unable to sit in one position.

3. Changes in Appetite

Depressed kids may have an increased or decreased appetite. Children who have a high appetite may experience a sudden loss of appetite. Those with low appetite may develop a sudden interest in eating. Either way, the changes come because of their feelings.

4. Fatigue or Sluggishness

Children with depression may become less playful and active than normal. They may talk, walk, or react slower than usual.

Behavioural Signs

5. Restlessness

The restlessness seen in depressed children leads to behaviours like acting up at home or in class, fidgeting, or other reckless behaviours.

6. Withdrawal

Children experiencing depression may avoid friends and family, activities or responsibilities around them. They withdraw from everything they used to do during their normal days. Some children lock themselves up in bedrooms where they stay alone.

7. Demanding and clinging

Depressed children sometimes become more dependent on others. Some show a sense of insecurity in an exaggerated way.

8. Excess activities

Depressed children may focus on certain activities so much that they seem to be out of control. A good example is when a child spends long hours playing video games or such.

9. Feeling hopeless and helpless

Some children become hopeless, feel helpless, and believe that there is nothing that could be done to relieve the feelings of depression. They develop the ‘It is what it is” mentality towards everything.

10. Self-Harm

Depressed children may self-injure themselves or take excessive risks to harm their bodies. Just like adults, thoughts of death cross children’s minds too. They wish to die and sometimes express these feelings.

If you suspect that your child/children are depressed, the next step should be to seek help. Helping kids with depression is made easier nowadays. You could seek help from online professionals who conduct online counselling for kids. Make an effort of researching ways to help them out. Enjoy time with them and be kind.

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